Behind the Bar

Meet Martin, Deputy General Manager at The Oak Tree Inn. A few years ago, Martin gladly swapped working at restaurants and clubs in Glasgow to head out into the country and join us in beautiful Balmaha, Loch Lomond. 

Martin has passion and expertise in food and drink, working to perfect the range of gins, beers, ales, whisky, and other choices from the bar of The Oak Tree Inn.  

Most guests are on holiday and looking for something local and a bit different. Just as important as the taste and quality of the drink is the story behind it. Martin works closely with all our local suppliers and understands what makes each drink special and unique.  

As Martin told us, walkers love cask ales, especially as fewer places are doing them now. Of course, many of the walkers will be those doing the West Highland Way, and luckily for them, Loch Lomond Brewery has a special light and citrusy pale ale to reward them after a walk over Conic Hill.  

We are delighted with the latest addition to the bar; it's from London Essence and is a tap with a variety of gin mixers. Not only can this allow us to easily pair complimentary gins and tonics, but it replaces the need for bottles, cutting down on wastage and is part of an extensive range of green initiatives to reduce the business's carbon footprint.  

Talking of gin, Martin is a big fan of two of our local spirits, Ben Lomond Gin from the Loch Lomond Distillery, and the new Dalrigh Gin, which is distilled by the Loch Lomond Brewery.  

Martin values that the team are encouraged to act on their initiative and work to their individual strengths.  

Martin told us of his favourite items from the menu and place to enjoy them at The Oak Tree Inn: 

•          Meal – Crispy Battered Haddock & Chips  

•          Drink – Dalrigh Gin  & Tonic

•          The place to enjoy them – The bright and airy conservatory